CERA Ear Clinic

Gentle, microscope guided ear cleaning in Chicago

Say goodbye to messy ear flushes and outdated tools. We use the gold-standard microsuction technique to give you a better, safer way to keep your ears clear.

Whether you're looking to protect your hearing or just want the relief of clean ears, we make the process easy, comfortable, and effective.

Patient relaxing in treatment chair while the CERA Ear Clinic provider prepares for ear cleaning.
Comfortable, spa-like ear care in Chicago's River West

Microsuction ear cleaning services

At CERA, we offer two levels of care so you receive the right treatment for your ears on the very first visit.

Patient relaxing in treatment chair during a microsuction ear cleaning appointment at CERA Ear Clinic.

Signature Ear Cleaning

$125 – our most common service, recommended for most clients with routine wax buildup and clogged ears.

Your visit begins with a careful exam of the outer ear, ear canal and eardrum. Using a microscope and gentle suction, your clinician removes ear wax and debris with precision – no water, no guesswork.

  • Relieves fullness, muffled hearing and itching from everyday wax buildup.
  • Dry, microscope-guided microsuction for one or both ears.
  • Great for maintenance care or before travel, important events or hearing aid fittings.
CERA provider carefully treating an ear with significant wax buildup and infection.

Complex Ear Cleaning & Treatments

$175 – designed for heavily impacted wax or outer ear infections requiring prescription treatment.

When ears are blocked by heavy wax, drainage or infection, medication can't reach the skin that needs it. Complex ear cleaning combines meticulous microsuction with prescription ear drops so the treatment can start working right away.

  • Thorough cleaning of impacted wax, debris and infected material.
  • Evaluation and treatment plan for outer ear infections and severe impactions.
  • Ideal if you've had pain, drainage, bad odor or trouble clearing wax elsewhere.

Why choose CERA Ear Clinic?

Ear-only focus

CERA exclusively focuses on ear care—foreign object removal, ear cleanings, impacted wax removal, and the treatment of outer ear infections.

Our clinicians are ENT-trained and have extensive experience caring for both routine and complex ear concerns.

Gold Standard Microsuction Technique

Microsuction under a high-powered binocular microscope (the same type used in ear surgery) - is signficantly more effective and comfortable than syringing/flushing/irrigation.

Fast, gentle relief in minutes. Ideal for sensitive or complex ears (tubes, perforations, prior surgery, recurrent infections).

Focus on Education and Direct Visualization

We get our teeth cleaned twice a year, but when was the last time you thought about your ears?

We provide unhurried 30 minute appointments that will educate you about ear health. We also offer the technology for you to watch the ear exam (if you are interested) and we will provide education about what you are seeing in real time.

Same-day bookings, transparent pricing

Clear pricing upfront: Signature Ear Cleaning ($125) or Complex Ear Cleaning ($175), based on what your ears need.

Same-day or next-day appointments when available.

What to expect during your visit

Our goal is to make ear care straightforward, comfortable and time-efficient for every age.

During your appointment
  • Consultation. We review your symptoms, history and any prior ear procedures.
  • Microscope exam. Using a binocular microscope, we assess the ear canal, wax and eardrum.
  • Microsuction cleaning. Gentle suction and fine instruments remove wax, debris and drainage.
  • Treatment plan. If an infection is present, the appropriate prescriptions will be sent to your pharamcy.
  • All ages welcome. We serve kids and teens too, using age-appropriate explanations and a tailored approach for each patient.

Microsuction ear cleaning FAQs

Is microsuction painful?
Most people describe microsuction as mildly strange but not painful. You'll hear a vacuum-like sound as wax is removed. If anything is uncomfortable, we adjust right away.
How long does an ear cleaning take?
Simple wax removal may only take a few minutes per ear. Complex cases involving infection or heavy impaction can take longer, but we schedule enough time so you never feel rushed.
How often should I have my ears cleaned?
It depends on your anatomy, wax production and habits like earbud or hearing aid use. Many patients benefit from bi-annual or yearly maintenance, while others need more frequent care. We'll make a recommendation tailored to you.
Can I have microsuction if I have a perforated eardrum or tubes?
Yes. Microsuction is often preferred when there is a perforation, ear tube or history of surgery, because it avoids putting water into the ear. We'll review your history first to confirm it's appropriate.
Do you see children for ear cleaning?
Absolutely. We regularly see children for wax buildup, recurrent infections, hearing concerns and pre-hearing-test cleanings. Our team uses a calm, kid-friendly approach so the visit feels as easy as possible.

Ready to hear the difference?

Whether you need routine wax removal or help with a more complex ear issue, CERA Ear Clinic is here to help. Schedule an appointment online in just a few clicks.

Located in Chicago's River West neighborhood. For questions, email [email protected] or call 847.305.6594.